Press Release

Statement on the General Assembly Resolution on Armed Conflict in Sudan

December 26, 2001

The United Nations General Assembly Resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in the Sudan is a significant increase of the international pressure on the Government of Sudan, as well as parties to the conflict, to act firmly towards a peaceful settlement to the civil war of our country.

Specifically referring to the conflict in southern Sudan, there was substantial reference in the Resolution to the impact of the ongoing conflict on the situation of human rights and its adverse effects on the civilian population, particularly women and children.

SHRO-Cairo notes in particular the General Assembly’s reference to the peace initiative of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, which "will contribute greatly to the creation of a better living environment and respect for human rights in the Sudan."

The Organization reiterates its repeated call upon the Government of Sudan to create the climate conducive to a comprehensive settlement of the crisis of the country. This requires full recognition of the right of self-determination for the concerned regions in the country, abrogation of the Public Security Act, and serious steps to convene an All-Sudanese Peace Conference with all parties of the opposition outside the Sudan, under auspices of the United Nations.

The proposed Conference must aim to establish and strictly implement a Transition Government guided by a New Constitution that must be free of any partial commitment to religious beliefs at the expense of internationally recognized freedoms. The New Constitution must insure the human rights of all citizens to enjoy the exercise of international human rights norms, without any discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, economic or social status, or political stands.

SHRO-Cairo renews its firm call for the Government of Sudan to reinstate all judges, attorneys, and academicians, as well as the other Sudanese professionals who have been unlawfully dismissed by the government since June 30, 1989. The participation of these professionals will add enormously to the ongoing efforts of the People of Sudan and the IGAD to establish the permanent and fair peace of our country.

Addressed to:

The People of Sudan at Home and Abroad

National Democratic Alliance (Sudan)

Sudan Government

CC:

Mr. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General

Ms. Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

UN Special Rapporteur

America Special Envoy

International Court of Justice, The Hague

The International Criminal Court, Rome, Italy

Sudan Representative to the United Nations

Human Rights Watch (Africa)

Amnesty International

The International Watch

Endowment for Democracy

All human rights groups

The IGAD Friends

US Permanent Mission to the UN

UK Permanent Mission to the UN

SHRO-Cairo is a Sudanese human rights and democracy entity. The organization is fully committed to the struggle for the preservation of human rights in accordance with international human rights norms, independently from any government or opposition group.